Winston’s Kathi Vidal Is Biden’s Pick to Lead Patent Office

The Biden administration tapped Winston & Strawn partner Kathi Vidal to serve as director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Vidal, if confirmed, would follow the legacy of Trump administration nominee Andrei Iancu, an Irell & Manella attorney who left a notable mark on the agency during his tenure.

Iancu pushed for patent eligibility reform and spearheaded significant changes to the agency’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board, including the formation of an agency leadership panel to set rules for the board’s disputes.

Vidal would enter office following years as a litigator navigating leading venues for patent disputes like the ...